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Opinion
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- Written by: Olga Martin Steele
The spirit of the season is on display — as the song goes, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.”
Gift giving is a central feature of the holidays. For many, giving extends beyond home and family. The generosity of others is a truly wonderful aspect of the season and end of year giving is essential to the many nonprofit organizations who help, during the holidays and year-round, to make sure those less fortunate are supported — in ways perhaps not broadly realized.
In Lake County, where poverty rates are high, end of year giving brings holiday cheer. As a member of several nonprofit organizations, I can attest to that. End of year giving is a highly encouraged, appreciated, and meaningful gesture.
Recently a dear friend and neighbor, Jackie Riche, asked me to recommend some giving options — she was making her end of year giving decisions and wanted to give where the impact was lasting and meaningful.
I suggested the Live Your Dream Program sponsored by the Clear Lake Soroptimists. Through grants, this unique program supports women and girls working to change their life trajectory.
Participants in the program have overcome untold hardship – poverty, homelessness, abuse or worse. Most are working moms who exist on limited incomes yet somehow make time to continue their schooling. They are all enrolled in an academic or vocational curriculum and grants from the Live Your Dream program are helping them turn their goals and dreams into realities.
End of year giving can help break the cycle of poverty and is a good way to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those choosing education as an important self-improvement step on the path to economic sustainability.
My friend Jackie sent an end of year gift to the Live Your Dream Program. “Perhaps others will as well,” she said.
For information about how to support women and girls through the Live Your Dream Program, visit the Soroptimist of Clear Lake’s Facebook page or text a message to 916-849-8170.
Donations can be mailed to Soroptimist International of Clear Lake, P.O. Box 966, Clearlake Oaks, CA 95423.
Olga Martin Steele lives in Clearlake Oaks, California.
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- Written by: Judy E. Fletcher
After years, sometimes decades, in the classroom giving back to their students, retired teachers continue to give back to local communities through their pocketbooks and their passion for volunteerism.
The week of Nov. 5 to 11, 2023, is California’s 25th annual Retired Teachers Week.
According to figures from the California Retired Teachers Association, retired teachers statewide donated more than one million hours of volunteer service in the past year valued at more than $39 million.
In addition to their donated time, retired teachers are part of the swell of economic benefits California receives from public pensioners as they spend their pension benefit checks.
In California, expenditures stemming from state and local pensions supported 381,038 jobs and $11.9 billion in federal, state and local tax revenues.
In fact, each dollar paid out in pension benefits supported $4.59 in total economic activity in California!
Retired teachers will continue to give back — both economically and through our volunteer service.
We cared about our students and our communities while we worked as educators, and that caring doesn’t stop at retirement.
Judy E. Fletcher is president of California Retired Teachers Association, Division 35, of Lake County, California.
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- Written by: Brock Falkenberg
Equal opportunity for all children to learn, regardless of circumstances or social standing, is a foundation of our education system.
Each year, many children are denied that right because of chronic absenteeism from school. All efforts by the school system and teachers to improve curriculum and instruction won't matter if kids aren't in school.
Chronic absence is described as missing 10 percent of the school year—or about 18 days – for any reason, excused or unexcused.
When students improve their attendance rates, they improve their academic prospects and chances of graduating. This matters to everyone in the community, not just those with school-age children.
Addressing chronic absence is a key component of improving graduation rates, increasing academic achievement, and giving young people the best chance at success in their adult life and becoming active members of their communities.
During the first month of school, and every month, help your children and the children you know build a habit of regular attendance.
Parents should make getting their children to school on time every day a priority. If there are barriers to improving attendance, like health-related issues or lack of reliable transportation, parents can talk with school administrators to help solve those issues.
Everyone plays a role in ensuring that our children attend school regularly. Let us help all students attend today so they can succeed tomorrow.
Brock Falkenberg is superintendent of schools of Lake County, California.
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- Written by: Bob Bridges
Like all aging structures it eventually needed to be repaired or replaced. In 2014, the past Lakeport Unified School Board and superintendent proposed a bond issue for a food service dining area, a new library/computer center and a new swimming pool.
With much public support by myself and others the public approved the bond for the described projects.
At that point the past school board went “off the rails” and approved extravagant projects that in my opinion vastly exceeded the scope, scale and cost of the “advertised” bond projects.
The dining area became a $4.2 million culinary arts kitchen and cafeteria and the library/computer center became a multimillion dollar three-story high edifice that only has one floor and $10,000 power windows for ventilation. It looks more like a government monument or religious shrine than a simple building to house books and computers.
When the voters in 2018 tossed out the school board that wasted most of the bond funds, the newly elected board’s hands were tied and there wasn’t enough money to build a new pool. The idea to repair the existing pool was scrapped when it was discovered that it had been allowed to go dry and had “popped out of the ground,” rendering it unusable.
The school board is now soliciting bids for what is entitled the “Westshore Pool Demolition Project.” I understand this action is prompted by trespass and safety issues that are well-founded. That will be the end of this valuable community asset.
The South County enjoys the Middletown Pool paid for by all the taxpayers of the county. The North County has no place for swim lessons that save lives or swim teams.
It is time for the city of Lakeport, the county, and the LUSD to step up and work together to build the pool that serves the north end of the county. It does not need to be a lavish project, just a pool like they have in Middletown.
We have an election coming up for the county supervisor who represents the greater Lakeport area. We need a person who can work with a team, and get this important project built and going for our most valuable asset, our youth.
Bob Bridges lives in Lakeport, California.
